This work aims to illustrate the results of experimental and plant research conducted in a chemical plant in Bussi sul Tirino. This plant specializes in the production of the Tetraconazole (TCZ) molecule, an active ingredient for fungicidal agro pharmaceuticals. A by-product of the process is wastewater with solid suspensions and traces of aromatic substances that contain a high percentage of DiMethylSulfOxide (DMSO), a pricey solvent (€/kg) that is essential in the synthesis of Tetraconazole (TCZ). The disposal of treated wastewater, due to its high sulfur concentration, generates increasing difficulties in management and incineration costs that significantly impact the economy of the process as the local regulatory standards advance. The promising technological solution to this problem is the BVHSE, 'Batch Vacuum Heated Solvent Extraction.' We have carefully researched and developed this technology by heating the wastewater batch to about 160°C under a controlled mid-vacuum, causing the DMSO to evaporate and then condense back, allowing for the separation of toluene and the recovery of DMSO in aqueous solution. A 'dry' solid waste with low sulfur content is obtained, a significant environmental benefit, and hence, easier disposed. The experimental runs conducted on a bench scale led to design a new intensified evaporator called SKID and optimize the whole BVHSE plant, which have proven to be crucial for promoting reducing waste, dependence on raw materials through their reuse, and atmospheric emissions from hazard waste incineration in line with UN 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and the EU Green Deal 2050. The first economic feasibility analyses highlight how this initiative can significantly benefit the overall economy of TCZ production. The analyses indicate that the BVHSE technology can reduce waste disposal and incineration costs, resulting in a payback time on investment return of about a year.

BVHSE Batch Vacuum-Heated Solvent Extraction with an innovative intensified evaporator/extractor SKID

nader jand
Supervision
;
2025-01-01

Abstract

This work aims to illustrate the results of experimental and plant research conducted in a chemical plant in Bussi sul Tirino. This plant specializes in the production of the Tetraconazole (TCZ) molecule, an active ingredient for fungicidal agro pharmaceuticals. A by-product of the process is wastewater with solid suspensions and traces of aromatic substances that contain a high percentage of DiMethylSulfOxide (DMSO), a pricey solvent (€/kg) that is essential in the synthesis of Tetraconazole (TCZ). The disposal of treated wastewater, due to its high sulfur concentration, generates increasing difficulties in management and incineration costs that significantly impact the economy of the process as the local regulatory standards advance. The promising technological solution to this problem is the BVHSE, 'Batch Vacuum Heated Solvent Extraction.' We have carefully researched and developed this technology by heating the wastewater batch to about 160°C under a controlled mid-vacuum, causing the DMSO to evaporate and then condense back, allowing for the separation of toluene and the recovery of DMSO in aqueous solution. A 'dry' solid waste with low sulfur content is obtained, a significant environmental benefit, and hence, easier disposed. The experimental runs conducted on a bench scale led to design a new intensified evaporator called SKID and optimize the whole BVHSE plant, which have proven to be crucial for promoting reducing waste, dependence on raw materials through their reuse, and atmospheric emissions from hazard waste incineration in line with UN 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and the EU Green Deal 2050. The first economic feasibility analyses highlight how this initiative can significantly benefit the overall economy of TCZ production. The analyses indicate that the BVHSE technology can reduce waste disposal and incineration costs, resulting in a payback time on investment return of about a year.
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11697/255979
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